Hamilton's Michael Carter-Williams drafted by Philadelphia 76ers

Friday

Jun 28, 2013 at 12:01 AMJun 28, 2013 at 3:19 PM

Michael Carter-Williams is heading to Philadelphia, and will be bringing one of his best friends with him.

The Hamilton native and Syracuse sophomore was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round, 11th overall in the 2013 NBA Draft. The 6-fooot-6, 185-pound point guard was among the top prospects taken in the annual lottery, which was held Thursday, June 27 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY.

“I’m just real, real happy,” said Carter-Williams, 21. “It couldn’t have gone any better. I’m just so blessed and thankful. My family and friends are happy also. It’s just a dream come true, really.”

Christopher Hurley/churley@wickedlocal.com

Michael Carter-Williams is heading to Philadelphia, and will be bringing one of his best friends with him.

The Hamilton native and Syracuse sophomore was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round, 11th overall in the 2013 NBA Draft. The 6-fooot-6, 185-pound point guard was among the top prospects taken in the annual lottery, which was held Thursday, June 27 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY.

“I’m just real, real happy,” said Carter-Williams, 21. “It couldn’t have gone any better. I’m just so blessed and thankful. My family and friends are happy also. It’s just a dream come true, really.”

Prior to making the selection, the Sixers traded its All-Star point guard, Jrue Holiday for fellow Bay State hoop star Nerlens Noel, giving Carter-Williams a golden opportunity to jump into the starting line-up right away.

“I haven’t thought too deeply about it,” he said. “I’m just happy right now, but I realize it. I have a lot of confidence in myself and Philadelphia has a lot of confidence in me. I’m going to go there and play my best. I’m just going to go out there and perform every night like I can.”

Carter-Williams will definitely have a friend in Philadelphia in Noel. The 6-foot-11 Everett native was originally drafted by the New Orleans Pelicans with the sixth overall pick, before getting traded to the 76ers moments later.

The pair previously tore up on the courts of New England, playing on the same AAU team in high school.

“I’m really excited,” said Carter-Williams, on the prospect in the two teaming up again “It’s like a dream come true. We always talked about how we were both going to make it to the NBA. For us to end up on the same team is a blessing.”

Noel was touted by many to be the top pick heading into the draft.

“I was surprised he went sixth, but its how things end up,” Carter-Williams said. “It was meant to be. I’m sure he has a chip on his shoulder now, and who knows. Maybe that’s what he needs for him to be great in the NBA. Maybe this pushes him to work harder. That’s what should to it for him.”

Carter-Williams and Noel are both proud to represent the Bay State basketball landscape.

“It means a lot,” Carter-Williams said. “ We’re big leaders and idols for the kids in Boston, and a lot of people look up to us and follow us. So it means a lot. For us to play on the same team is great. I’m sure we’re going to have a lot support and a lot of love. We just appreciate it.”

Carter-Williams attended Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School as a freshman. The 5-foot-9 point guard led the Generals and conference in scoring with 20 points per game.

He transferred to St. Andrews School in Barrington, Rhode Island during his final three years of high school. He averaged 25.4 points per game over his three years there. He committed to Syracuse following his sophomore season in high school.

Although he flew under the radar during his freshman year at Syracuse, Carter-Williams made a sizable splash with the Orange during an incredible Final Four run at the NCAA Tournament last March.

The NCAA Tournament East Region MVP scored a career high 24 points, along with five rebounds against Indiana, while potting 12 points, eight boards, six assists and five steals against Marquette, during the March Madness Tournament.

Carter-Williams was born to play basketball. His father Earl Williams played at Cambridge Rindge and Latin, his stepfather Zach Zegarowski played at Salem High and UMass-Lowell. His mom, Mandy Carter-Zegarowski also enjoyed a distinguished basketball career. She is currently the girls head basketball coach at Ipswich High.

All three were in attendance, along with 60 friends and family members watching in the stands, not to mention a strong contingent watching from their hometown of Hamilton

“We watched the NBA Draft all the time, but I never envisioned him being here,” said Mandy, moments before the draft. “He talked like every other kid about playing in the NBA, but we never thought we’d be sitting here in the Green Room.”

So who was more nervous, mother or son?

“I don’t know,” said Mandy. “ I think [Michael’s a] little more nervous, but it’s probably me. I think we both know that the big picture is that he’s going to play in the NBA. It’s a pretty suspenseful time, but it’s pretty exciting for everybody. He’s about to start a new career playing basketball.”